Reserve Police Program

The Bristol Tennessee Reserve Officer Program is a voluntary unit formed for the purpose of enhancing the Police Department's operational and administrative efforts. The Reserve Officers' primary duties are to assist regular duty officers in every aspect of their duties. Reserve officers will be sworn officers and have powers of arrest equivalent to that of a regular duty officer.

Basic Requirements
Reserve officers must conform to all general orders, policies, and procedures as set forth by the Chief of Police while carrying out their assigned duties. The reserve uniform is identical to a full-time officer's uniforms. The reserve officer shall maintain the same physical appearance and grooming standards as do regular officers while on duty.

Assignments
Reserve officers may receive assignments to assist the Patrol Division, Administration, Community Policing, or Criminal Investigation Divisions. Reserve officers' duties may include, but are not limited to, crime scene security, patrol ride-along, surveillance, community involvement, special events, crowd control, directed enforcement, traffic direction, parking enforcement, investigations, and other situations as they arise. The reserve officer will work under the direction of the full-time supervisor of the unit assigned. The reserve officer shall work a minimum of 10 hours per month. They shall be responsible for the maintenance and appearance of all issued uniforms and equipment articles.

Responsibilities
Reserve officers have the same responsibility as full-time officers to prepare reports and appear in court when their testimony is considered essential to the successful prosecution of a case. Reserve officers shall perform all duties in a manner which enhances the image of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department in the community and shall be bound by the Police Code of Ethics.